Each student must post (1) substantial initial post with a minimum of 250 words by Thursday before 11:59 PM. All posts and replies must contain at least (2) professional and scholarly references, one may be the course textbook, properly cited in the current APA format. At the end of your initial discussion ask provocative 2 questions to prompt online discussion with your peers. Late discussion posts are not accepted in this course.
A 52-year-old man, with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes, is admitted to the hospital following a severe all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident. He is scheduled for a cervical spinal fusion due to significant neck pain, numbness, and tingling in his fingers. Initial assessments suggest a potential spinal cord injury, exacerbated by his pre-existing conditions.
Questions:
Post-operative Complications: After the surgery, the patient exhibits seizure-like activity. The medical team decides to conduct a diagnostic test to evaluate the electrical activity in the brain, considering his medical history and recent surgery. Identify the test and explain its relevance in this context, considering the patient’s medical history and surgical intervention.
Sensory Neuron Analysis: Despite a seemingly successful surgery, the patient, upon regaining consciousness in the general care area, reports persistent numbness and tingling in his fingers. Explore the role of sensory neurons in relation to these symptoms. Discuss the characteristics of sensory neurons and how they might be implicated in the patient’s post-operative condition.
Medication Management: The medical team prescribes medication to manage the patient’s neck pain and seizure-like symptoms. Considering the patient’s history and current symptoms, suggest a class of medication that would be appropriate and justify your choice based on the patient’s condition and symptoms.
Rehabilitation Considerations: As part of his recovery, the patient is referred to a rehabilitation program. Outline key components of a rehabilitation plan suitable for a patient recovering from a cervical spinal fusion and experiencing neurological symptoms. Discuss the importance of each component in the context of the patient’s overall recovery and prognosis.
